26 September 2024
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:12): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question without notice to the minister representing the Minister for Planning on the topic of the Duke of York Hotel.
Leave granted.
The Hon. R.A. SIMMS: Yesterday, it was announced that the historic Duke of York Hotel will be closed and gutted to build a 33-storey student accommodation tower. The plans will retain only a majority of the facade in the redevelopment. The Duke of York is a local heritage place and hosts regular comedy nights, DJs and live music—sounds very similar to a scenario we have dealt with before in this parliament.
Just this month, the Governor assented to the Planning, Development and Infrastructure (Designated Live Music Venues and Protection of Crown and Anchor Hotel) Amendment Bill, which aims to protect designated live music venues. My questions to the minister representing the Minister for Planning therefore are:
1. Will the minister designate the Duke of York Hotel a live music venue under the amendments that were recently made to the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act?
2. What is the minister doing to retain the heritage value of this building?
The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:13): I am happy to refer those questions to the Minister for Planning in the other place and bring back a response.